The Indianapolis Colts shocked the NFL world last week when they signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement. The veteran quarterback had not played since the 2020 season, but the Colts were desperate for a quarterback, and Rivers is familiar with the organization.
In his first start in five years, Rivers didn’t exactly light it up. However, head coach Shane Steichen saw enough to go ahead and declare Rivers the starter for Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Colts Sticking with Rivers Despite Anthony Richardson Sr. Getting Cleared
In Week 15, Rivers completed 18 of his 27 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception. It wasn’t the prettiest stat line, but it was still impressive, given Rivers’ age and the Seattle Seahawks’ status as one of the best teams in the league.
On Monday, Steichen spoke with the media about his plans for the quarterback position. The coach went ahead and named Rivers the starter for Week 16, according to Colts insider James Boyd.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says QB Philip Rivers will remain the starter against the #49ers.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 15, 2025
Interestingly, Boyd also confirmed that Anthony Richardson Sr. has been medically cleared. Steichen said that Richardson is getting back to “working out in the weight room” and “running and throwing,” but was noncommittal about when/if at all Richardson would be activated from injured reserve.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says QB Anthony Richardson Sr. is getting back into “working out in the weight room and running and doing all those things and throwing.”
Noncommittal about if/when he could be brought off IR.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 15, 2025
Richardson is a former first-round pick of the Colts who has thus far failed to impress as a starting quarterback. Boyd provided further clarity on the 23-year-old quarterback’s situation and added, “Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital fracture/IR) has been cleared for *physical activities* like weight lifting, running, and throwing. However, to be cleared for *football activities* (like practice), he needs to be elevated off IR.”
MORE: 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Richardson battled Daniel Jones for the starting gig last offseason, but Jones beat him out and went on to have a fantastic season before suffering a devastating Achilles injury. The Florida product has been on injured reserve since suffering an eye injury back in October.
Colts Now on Brink of Missing Postseason After 4-Game Slide
The Colts appeared poised to coast to an AFC South title in 2025 after starting the season 7-1. However, the team is just 1-5 since then and has now lost four in a row. The Colts are now in third place behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.
After the Week 15 loss, PFSN’s Football Playoff Meter (FPM) has the team’s playoff chances down to just 18.9%.
It will be interesting to see if Rivers can lead the team on a run and sneak into the postseason. The team’s final three games of the season are against the 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
If Rivers struggles in Week 16, it will also be worth watching to see if Richardson gets activated. The Colts will likely want to see if Richardson can impress before the offseason begins.
